Background and Rationale

The main objectives of this module are to examine the way that youth crime is dealt with as both social and criminological problem. To develop an understanding of the sociological concept of youth as well as the phenomenon of their criminal activity. Through the discussion of recent research, legislation and policy documents to encourage students to consider the response of the criminal justice agencies to youth crime as well as assess the role of the family, the school and the community in preventing and controlling juvenile delinquency.

Learning Outcomes

After completion of the module students should be able to:
1. Understand the concepts of youth and childhood in historical, sociological and legal discourse;
2. Understand the nature, extent and etiological theory in relation to youth crime;
3. Understand the key legislative provisions governing the response to youth crime within the youth justice process;
4. Understand the historical background to and political foundations of contemporary youth justice policy, and the popular and media discussion of that policy;
5. Understand the role of the personnel within the youth justice process;
6. Understand the roles of non-legal or non-criminal agencies in dealing with youth crime.
7. Construct arguments clearly and coherently in writing and/or orally through seminar discussion;
8. Critically evaluate law, policy and procedure and appraise the impact of new law on the working practice of practitioners;
9. Assess the importance of political principles and values and the relationship between law and policy;
10. Demonstrate independence of mind in the presentation and defense of an argument, both orally and in writing.